Triangle businesses come together in Cary to support vendors impacted by Painted Tree Boutique shutdown

CARY, N.C. (WNCN) — Vendors and small business owners were stunned when Painted Tree Boutiques suddenly closed all of its stores across the country last month.

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Among the 60 locations shut down were four in North Carolina, including two in the Triangle.
However, this weekend, Cary’s downtown community was giving area vendors a boost.

Sunday’s event featured a block party with vendors on the corner of Hunter Street off East Chatham Street, and inside the Meridian Clubhouse. Dozens of people came out to support the more than 20 vendors.

“I try to support people who are putting themselves out there, trying to create a business. Every time I can shop local over a big company, I try to do that,” said Laura Alexander, a Raleigh resident.

After Painted Tree Boutique locations closed, the owners of Refreshery, a local pressed-juice cafe, partnered with the Meridian East Chatham building in Cary to help the businesses impacted and sell the remaining merchandise.

Event organizer Jessica McNulty said vendors are looking forward to more such pop-up events as they transition.

“I am just devastated for all of these businesses that have lost their space unexpectedly. Many of them are losing deposits that they’re never getting back, don’t have a place to sell, and are stuck with thousands and thousands of dollars of inventory,” said McNulty.

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Lulu’s Boutique opened in August 2025 and moved into the Painted Tree in Cary in February. Owner Lexi Irwin was devastated when she heard the sudden news of the closure.

“It felt like a chapter that was being closed too soon for me and my business,” said Irwin.

Irwin said she only had 10 days to move out of the property. Right now, she is mainly selling merchandise online until finding a permanent brick-and-mortar location.

“Raleigh is the city of opportunity, especially for a small business owner. There’s so much room to grow and prosper here in the city. When we do local pop-ups just like this, we’re able to see the community come together all in one,” said Irwin.

Many of the vendors said the Painted Tree was a place for local artists to dream and showcase — an experience they plan to take everywhere they go.

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